NewzVille Desk
“Traditionally, in our country, design has been interwoven in the fabric of everyday life in all communities”, said the president of India Droupadi Murmu participating as the chief guest in the 44th convocation ceremony of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad on 27 February, 2025.
“Their cultural practices hold the key to some of the challenges that confront the world in 21st century. Therefore, revitalizing the historical solutions drawn from India’s diverse cultures and leveraging them for innovation will benefit not only the nation but will also contribute to global progress.” she said.
She said that We need to study and document knowledge systems, including design systems, of more traditional communities. Their cultural practices hold the key to some of the challenges that confront the world in 21st century. Therefore, revitalizing the historical solutions drawn from India’s diverse cultures and leveraging them for innovation will benefit not only the nation but will also contribute to global progress.
The President further said that there are many problems all around us, and many of them require design tweaks and not great resources. Creative thinking can lead to solutions that can improve the ease of living, especially for the underprivileged communities.
She highlighted that design is often a less noticed but crucial factor in social and economic development of our country. She was happy to note that the National Institute of Design has excelled in the concept of design with emphasis on ‘design as a service for the betterment of society’.
The President said that our designers have demonstrated the power of design to create positive social change. They are making impactful design interventions in the social sector, bringing improvements in crucial areas such as healthcare, housing and sanitation. They are focusing their skills and expertise on addressing real-world problems, which often affect marginalised communities. This way, they are also helping bridge the urban-rural divide.
The President told the students that making beautiful things is a creative job and brings joy as well as monetary rewards. But they should never forget the functional aspect. There are problems that await their solutions.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal during his address said, “Design is not only about aesthetics, it is an innovation that has its impact on India’s legacy and will play a role in the country’s development.” He noted that the fresh graduates will act as a bridge between the legacy and the future of this country.
Possibilities in design are endless. We have to create new ideas, innovation on a large scale catering to 140 crore people of the country. Inclusive growth and development is our country’s will and strength. Create, disrupt and leave a mark in the world with your capabilities, the Minister Goayal said.
Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat,Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Minister of State Commerce and Industries Jitin Prasada and Governing Council Members also graced the event.
The 44th Convocation Ceremony saw 430 students from various disciplines being awarded degrees from the National Institute of Design.
